Primary source images are great resources for integrating language arts with social studies into activities that meet Common Core State Standards.
Text Types and Purposes
Kindergarten Writing Standards
Writing Prompts / Activity Ideas
1. Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose opinion pieces in which they tell a reader the topic or the name of the book they are writing about and state an opinion or preference about the topic or book (e.g., My … [Read more...]

Students are active learners when they are engaged in real activities. The Abraham Lincoln & Me Primary Source Activity Book enables students to become familiar with primary sources and learn about Abraham Lincoln and his accomplishments while fostering a personal connection to this U.S. president. The activity book is available in English and Spanish with accompanying audio files in each language. Numerous extension activity ideas provide teachers with options for extending … [Read more...]

Overview
The flag is one of the United States’ most important symbols and the central character of the country’s national anthem. This project introduces students to the key historical events that led to the creation of this patriotic song, helping them to learn the lyrics to The Star Spangled Banner and expand their overall understanding of U.S. history and their personal connections to this country.
To complete this project, students will . . .
learn about key historical events that … [Read more...]

Today in History–May 16–the Library of Congress features educator Elizabeth Palmer Peabody, born on this day in 1856. Peabody opened the first English-language kindergarten in the United States in 1860. Learn more about this teacher, writer, and prominent figure in the Transcendental movement by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access primary sources related to kindergarten.
Kindergarten Historians: Primary Sources in an Early Elementary Classroom Teaching … [Read more...]

Immerse yourself in the practice of teaching with primary sources from the unparalleled collections of Library of Congress this summer. Apply to attend a week-long professional development program for K-12 educators in the nation's capital.

In 2018, the Library will offer five Institute weeks:

Open Sessions (any subject area): June 18-June 22, June 25-June 29, and July 30-August 3

Teaching with Primary Sources - Mars Hill University (MHU) six-week asynchronous online course beginning Feb. 5 and ending March 26th focused on the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The course, developed in consultation with Middle Tennessee State University and the University of South Carolina, will explore situations and events leading to the Act of 1964, key moments in Civil Rights movement immediately surrounding the passage of this Act, and explore the impact of this act - all while utilizing primary sources from the Library of Congress. Teachers will leave the course with 3 CEUS and a wealth of knowledge about Library of Congress resources on this topic and new classroom strategies. Registration closed Jan. 31, 2018.
Teachers who are interested can also apply for two summer teachers institutes, to be held on the MHU campus, Ballads and Poetry of Appalachia (June 25-29) and Not Property: Examining Digitized Slave Deeds (July 9-13). Contact Bridget Morton, bmorton at mhu.edu.

Immerse yourself in the practice of teaching with primary sources from the unparalleled collections of Library of Congress this summer. Apply to attend a week-long professional development program for K-12 educators in the nation's capital.

In 2018, the Library will offer five Institute weeks:

Open Sessions (any subject area): June 18-June 22, June 25-June 29, and July 30-August 3

Immerse yourself in the practice of teaching with primary sources from the unparalleled collections of Library of Congress this summer. Apply to attend a week-long professional development program for K-12 educators in the nation's capital.

In 2018, the Library will offer five Institute weeks:

Open Sessions (any subject area): June 18-June 22, June 25-June 29, and July 30-August 3

Immerse yourself in the practice of teaching with primary sources from the unparalleled collections of Library of Congress this summer. Apply to attend a week-long professional development program for K-12 educators in the nation's capital.

In 2018, the Library will offer five Institute weeks:

Open Sessions (any subject area): June 18-June 22, June 25-June 29, and July 30-August 3

Voting & Elections in Early America

TPS Programs

Funded by a grant from the Library of Congress, since 2004 TPS-Barat has provided free, engaging, inquiry-based learning materials that use Library primary sources to foster understanding and application of civics, literacy, history, math, science, and the arts.
The mission of the national Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) program is to: build of the Library’s educational initiatives; provide content that promotes the effective educational of the Library’s resources; and offer access to and promote sustained use of the Library’s educational
resources.
Learn more about Teaching with Primary Sources by visiting www.loc.gov/teachers.